Community Reacts to Downtown Plan

Residents weighed in Monday night on the , a document that bears much impact on Farmingdale's future.

The completion of the statement and public hearing on it were the next steps towards approving the downtown master plan. Developing the downtown area has been a priority for the current Board of Trustees and other community groups, who hope to bring the village out of the tough economy and make it a destination Long Island downtown.

A full room of residents came out to the to discuss the findings of DGEIS report, which explores the impacts the master plan would have on land use, visual conditions, traffic, parking and natural resources.

Village Planning Consultant Eric Zamft explained that the master plan visioning process first began in 2006. A steering committee of residents and leaders was established in 2008.

"It's an older downtown that has limited space and limited amenities," Zamft said. "Let's try to increase those amenities with open space and affordable housing. Let's make it much more attractive to the people who are living there, people who are coming there to shop, and those who work there."

Zamft identified 35 sites that could change over the next 25 years, based on factors like vacancy, underutilization and developer interest. His recommendation is a mixed use, high growth model that would focus on enhancing the retail stores, adding housing, improving parking and opening up space.

He described a vision for Farmingdale's downtown in 2035 that would include 375 additional housing units for groups like young professionals and seniors, green space connecting the Village Green and LIRR Station Green and enhancement of storefronts in both the front and back.

More than ten residents spoke about various parts of the report and the downtown plan.

"This is the only way to go," said George Cook.

Others were not as supportive, specifically on the affordable housing unit concept, citing increased traffic concerns.

"We don't need any more apartments," said resident William Day.

The village is until July 22, after which the board will approve the final GEIS and consider possible zoning changes. Adoption of the master plan is slated for the fall.

For lifelong residents like Lorraine Donnolo, this revitalization plan is long awaited.

"The hometown feel, the movies, the Cadillac diner," she said. "We want that back."

Interested in reactions of other community members? Check back to Farmingdale Patch tomorrow for a slideshow of reactions to the report and plan.